The
Waikato region of New Zealand is a rich farming landscape
where your eyes will feast on lush growth and greenery.

It
lies and hour and a half south of Auckland
and spreads through much of the North Island of New
Zealand.

The
major city in the Waikato is Hamilton, the largest inland
city in New Zealand, with a population of more than 130,000
people.

Through
Hamilton flows the Waikato River - New Zealand's longest
- and the waterway is used by many during the hot summer
months.

There
are plenty of good walks to take and kayaking is popular
on the river.

Nearby
is Lake Karapiro where some of the world's best rowers have
performed.

In
the city itself you can get all the amenities of city life
- meaning good coffees - and perhaps take a stroll around
the 50 hectare Hamilton Gardens. These include roses, herb
and scented gardens as well as those featuring world styles
such as Asian and American gardens.

The
Waikato is also home to Hobbiton,
one of the sets where the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy
was filmed. For fans of the movies this is an excellent
chance to visit a bit of movie history.

But
the Waikato is more than just for farmers - it has wonderful
beaches on the black-sand west coast and the surf is rated
A1. One of the best spots for catching a wave is Raglan
to the west of Hamilton.

About
30 minutes south of Hamilton are the spectacular Waitomo
Caves and the famous glow worm grottos.